When your land clearing is done right, everything else falls into place. Your contractors show up and can actually work efficiently instead of fighting through stumps and uneven ground. Your foundation goes in level and stays level. Your drainage works the way it’s supposed to work.
You’re not dealing with surprise delays because someone missed a drainage issue or left debris that blocks equipment access. You’re not paying extra because the site wasn’t properly prepared the first time. You get a clean, graded lot that’s ready for whatever you’re building.
That’s what proper site preparation looks like. No surprises, no delays, no wondering if the prep work was done correctly.
We started Emerson Excavating as a logging operation in 1997 and transitioned to full-time excavation in 2020. Josh Emerson runs the day-to-day operations with his son as partner, bringing nearly three decades of experience working with Conklingville-area properties.
We know how different soil types in Saratoga County behave. We understand the seasonal challenges that come with site work in upstate New York. We handle the permit requirements and know where cleared material can legally go.
You’re working with contractors who’ve been preparing sites in this area for years, not equipment operators learning your property as they go.
We start by walking your property to understand what needs to be cleared and what challenges your specific site presents. We identify drainage patterns, mark trees you want to preserve, and plan equipment access routes that won’t damage the areas you’re keeping.
Next comes the actual clearing work – removing trees, brush, and stumps, followed by rough grading to establish proper drainage and remove major ground irregularities. We handle debris disposal according to local regulations and coordinate any permit requirements.
Finally, we do a walkthrough to make sure the site is ready for your next contractor. You get a clean, level lot with proper drainage that’s ready for construction to begin.
Ready to get started?
Our land clearing service covers everything from initial tree and brush removal to final site grading. We handle stump removal, debris disposal, and rough grading to prepare your site for construction. If your project requires specific drainage considerations or access roads, we coordinate that work as part of the overall site preparation.
For Conklingville properties, we’re familiar with the local soil conditions that affect drainage and the seasonal timing that works best for site work. We understand which trees are worth preserving and how to protect them during the clearing process.
We also handle the paperwork side – coordinating with local authorities when permits are required and making sure debris disposal meets Saratoga County regulations. You don’t have to figure out where cleared material can legally go or what environmental considerations apply to your specific site.
Land clearing costs vary significantly based on how heavily wooded your property is, what type of trees need to be removed, and how accessible the site is. Lightly wooded properties might cost $1,500-3,000 per acre, while heavily forested land with large trees can cost $4,000-6,000 per acre or more.
Steep terrain, wet conditions, or difficult access all increase costs. The best way to get an accurate price is to have us look at your specific property. We can then give you a detailed estimate based on exactly what needs to be cleared and what challenges your particular site presents.
Absolutely. Selective clearing is actually more common than total clearing, especially on residential properties where homeowners want to preserve mature trees or natural features. We plan the clearing process around the trees you want to save, taking care to protect their root systems during grading work.
We can also create natural buffers or clear specific areas while leaving others untouched. The key is identifying which trees to preserve before we start, so we can plan equipment access and debris removal routes that won’t damage the trees you’re keeping.
Rough grading is what we do as part of land clearing – it establishes the basic slope and drainage patterns for your site and removes major irregularities in the ground. This gets your property ready for construction to begin. Finish grading is more precise work that’s typically done after construction is complete, creating the final contours for landscaping, driveways, and walkways.
Most construction projects only need rough grading initially. We can handle both types of grading, but rough grading is usually what’s included in land clearing services. If your project requires specific finish grading, we can coordinate that work as well.
Yes, we coordinate with local authorities when permits are required and make sure all work meets local regulations. We understand Saratoga County requirements and know what environmental considerations apply to different types of properties in the Conklingville area.
We also handle debris disposal according to local regulations, so you don’t have to figure out where cleared material can legally go. Having worked in this area for years, we know the process and can guide you through any permit requirements that apply to your specific project.
In upstate New York, the best time for land clearing is typically late fall through early spring when trees are dormant and you can see the property more clearly without leaves. Frozen ground also makes it easier to move heavy equipment without creating ruts or damaging areas you want to preserve.
We can work year-round, but timing depends on your construction schedule and site conditions. Wet spring conditions can make some sites inaccessible until they dry out. We’ll recommend the best timing based on your specific property and project timeline.
Project timelines depend on the size of the area being cleared and how heavily wooded it is. A typical residential lot might take 1-3 days, while larger or heavily forested properties can take a week or more. Difficult access, wet conditions, or the need to work around trees you want to preserve can extend the timeline.
We provide realistic timelines during our initial site visit and keep you updated if we encounter any conditions that might affect the schedule. Our goal is to complete your clearing efficiently so your construction project can stay on track.
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